Cool Time

The weather has not been so delightful (well, not these past few days), but see below for what can be had at our farmers market when the weather is coolish and dampish.

(OK, the strawberries are from way southern IL. But still.)

We'll admit it - it was wet and chilly last weekend. But people still came out - thanks so much for all your support as we struggle with the frequently-iffy weather this spring. The produce offerings this week will look much like what you see above. Add to that our usual selection of frozen meats, eggs, honey, cheese, gelato, baked goods, prepared foods, "foodtruck food", art, crafts, community groups, and performance, and that's your Market for this weekend.

Reminder: Urbana's Market at the Square no longer allows animals at the Market. There are exceptions: service animals are permitted, and animal rescue groups who are registered as a community group for that day may bring their animals to the community groups area, which is in the western row of the Market.

Speaking of community groups and their new home - we have plans for this area. Patrons have mentioned a desire for a seating area, and we're working to provide seating in the western row of the Market by the beginning of June. We'll also be featuring performers in this area as well. Please swing through this weekend and visit with groups such as Retired Greyhounds as Pets (REGAP), Champaign County Forest Preserve, The Coffee Party of Greater C-U , Chambana Moms, Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center (CIMIC), AWARE, and several others.

Two special events are scheduled for this weekend's Market:

Sprouts at the Market's first event of the season will be held between 9-11 this Saturday. It's a seed planting workshop for kids - each participating child will plant a bush bean plant to take home, as well as learn about seeds and the life cycle of fruit and vegetable plants from the great folks at Champaign County Extension's Master Gardeners. The workshop is continuous over the 2-hour period, is free, and no registration is required - look for the Sprouts tent next to the City tent at the NW entrance to the Market. Each participating Sprout will receive a Certificate of Participation which can be used for special offers for participants at Common Ground Food Co-op and Art Mart Toys, both located inside Lincoln Square Mall.
In the event of rain at 9 AM, Sprouts will be canceled. The next date will be June 18.

The C-U Safe Routes to School Project is holding a bike rodeo at the Market. Look for their setup in the parking lot south of the Market, across Illinois Street. They'll be fitting kids for (and selling) bike helmets, teaching kids about bike safety, helping kids through an obstacle course, and more.

Please cross your fingers for a rain-free Market, as the current forecast is calling for, um, a little bit of rain. Bring your rain gear and umbrellas!